06-APR-2014
Lesser Goldfinch (1495)
The Lesser Goldfinches continue to be the most common visitor to my back yard. This one is enjoying
the waterfall while taking a break from polishing off the sunflower seed feeders.
05-APR-2014
American Goldfinches Squabbling (1332)
Just because they get so attractively colored in the spring, does not
mean they maintain their pleasant flocking disposition. These two are facing off for
a choice spot on the perch, waiting their chance at the seed feeders below.
04-APR-2014
Spotted Towhee (1223)
Spotted Towhees are much more easily heard than seen for me. Early in the morning this
particular bird likes to fly from tree to tree, perch near the top, and call repeatedly
with his distinctive song. This morning he got close enough so that I could get a
marginally successful picture. About once every couple of weeks, he will fly down to our
flower gardens and will scratch around in the dead winter leaves looking for something to eat.
01-APR-2014
Too Many Doves! (1083)
The title says it all. Some days the Doves are so insistent on feeding that they intimidate the smaller
birds and keep them at bay. This was one of those days, the Doves are foraging behind the birdbath, only their heads showing.
31-MAR-2014
Lesser Goldfinch (Male) (0971)
Our Forsythia shrubs will only bloom for another week or so, so I need to get some
photos of all the different birds on the Forsythia branches that I can. Today, this
(probably first-year) male Lesser Goldfinch was cooperative.
30-MAR-2014
White-crowned Sparrow (0860)
White-crowned Sparrows are fairly common in this area in the springtime, but they do not
venture that often into the residential yards such as ours. This one was a surprise
visitor today, stayed for a few minutes and then left to rejoin the larger flocks elsewhere.
29-MAR-2014
American Goldfinch (Male) (0729)
Our American Goldfinches continue to develop more striking summer plumage. You can see
this one has new feathers and old ones. Give him another few weeks and he will
be ready to head north for the summer.
28-MAR-2014
White-winged Dove (0668)
Some days are slower than others, but I can always count on the White-winged Doves to
put in an appearance. This one wandered out into the birdbath and contemplated taking a
birdbath. It flew off before splashing all the water out of the pond.
27-MAR-2014
Lesser Goldfinch (0466)
This male Lesser Goldfinch looks like he is mostly done with molting, and appears to be
one of the Western race of Lessers (with a greenish back instead of the black back).
In this region of the Rockies, we get both races, and all possible admixtures of the two.
This fellow is getting a drink from the waterfall.
25-MAR-2014
American Robin (0386)
Our American Robins are in serious chasing mode -- a springtime behavior -- and they
are all interested in finding grapes in the yard. To my surprise, they will also hop
up onto the seed feeders (for the finches) and help themselves to some sunflower kernels.
Think of this as a passport photo for the Robin.
24-MAR-2014
Townsend's Solitaire (0331)
We did not have any Townsend's Solitaires in our back yard last year, but have seen this one several
times this spring. Although they are not very spectacular birds, looking like a Robin without
the red breast, they have a magnificent song and are very territorial. All they ever
do in the back yard is find something to drink, take a few sips, and then fly off.
23-MAR-2014
Pink-sided Dark-eyed Junco (0196)
As the weather warms up, our Juncos are fewer in number. This Pink-sided version of the
Dark-eyed Junco briefly surveys the birdbath on a warm morning.